Firearm with electrical power source

ABSTRACT

A firearm includes a lower receiver storing an electrical power source and an upper receiver attached to the lower receiver. A pivot pin device provides a mechanical pivot point between the upper and lower receivers and a transfer of electrical power from the electrical power source in the lower receiver to at least one accessory rail attached to the upper receiver. The at least one accessory rail has electrical contacts that engage corresponding contacts on an electronic accessory device to supply the electrical power to the electronic accessory device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/196,882, filed Mar. 9, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 16/746,749, U.S. Pat. No. 10,976,131, filed on Jan.17, 2020, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by referencein their entireties. To the extent appropriate a claim of priority ismade to each of the above-disclosed applications.

BACKGROUND

To improve situational awareness, electronic accessory devices such aslights, radios, thermal imaging cameras, range finders, displays, andthe like are added to firearms. Each electronic accessory devicetypically has its own batteries as a power source. The batteries in eachelectronic accessory device can add a significant amount of weight andbulk to a firearm which can make the firearm difficult to carry and aim.

Another problem is to reliably provide electrical power to theelectronic accessory devices while mounted on the firearm in anenvironmentally hostile environment. Rain, humidity, dirt, corrosion,and extreme temperatures can interfere with the steady supply ofelectrical power to the electronic accessory devices when mounted on afirearm.

SUMMARY

In general terms, the present disclosure relates to a firearm with anelectrical power source. In one possible configuration and bynon-limiting example, the firearm includes a pivot pin device providinga mechanical pivot point between an upper receiver and a lower receiver,and further providing a transfer of electrical power from the electricalpower source in the lower receiver to at least one accessory railmounted on the upper receiver.

In one aspect, a firearm comprises a lower receiver storing anelectrical power source, an upper receiver attached to the lowerreceiver, and a pivot pin device providing a mechanical pivot pointbetween the upper and lower receivers. The pivot pin device furtherprovides a transfer of electrical power from the electrical power sourcein the lower receiver to at least one accessory rail attached to theupper receiver. The at least one accessory rail having electricalcontacts configured to engage corresponding contacts on an electronicaccessory device to supply the electrical power to the electronicaccessory device.

In another aspect, a pivot pin device for a firearm comprises a housingdefining an interior cavity for routing electrical conductors from afirst end of the pivot pin device to a second end of the pivot pindevice, the housing including: a cylindrical portion terminating at thefirst end and being configured to provide a mechanical pivot pointbetween upper and lower receivers of a firearm; and a lateral portionextending substantially orthogonal from the cylindrical portion andterminating at the second end; first and second electrical contactspositioned at the first end, the first and second electrical contactsaxially spaced apart from one another and each having an exteriorportion configured to engage a respective coil contact inside areceptacle in the lower receiver, and each having an interior portionengaging a respective electrical conductor; and a plug portionpositioned at the second end, the plug portion being configured forinsertion inside a ruggedized connector port in the upper receiver tomate the electrical conductors with corresponding conductors inside theruggedized connector port for transferring electrical power from thelower receiver to the upper receiver.

In another aspect, an electrical system for a firearm comprises anelectrical power source; a socket drawing electrical power from theelectrical power source; lower conductors carrying the electrical powerfrom the socket to a receptacle, the receptacle configured for beingincorporated into a lower receiver of a firearm; a pivot pin devicetransferring the electrical power from the receptacle to a ruggedizedconnector port, the ruggedized connector port configured for beingincorporated into an upper receiver of a firearm, the pivot pin devicebeing configured to provide a mechanical pivot point between the upperand lower receivers of the firearm; upper conductors carrying theelectrical power from the ruggedized connector port to a conductive bus,the conductive bus configured for attachment to the upper receiver; andat least one accessory rail receiving the electrical power from theconductive bus, the at least one accessory rail configured forattachment to the upper receiver and having electrical contactsconfigured to engage corresponding contacts on an electronic accessorydevice to supply the electrical power to the accessory electronicaccessory device.

In another aspect, a power coupling for use on an accessory railcomprises: a housing defining an interior space; a conductive bus housedinside the interior space, the conductive bus configured to transferelectrical power around a barrel of a firearm; receptacles electricallyconnected to the conductive bus, each receptacle configured to receivean end of a conductive strip; and sealing glands sealing a connectionbetween each receptacle and conductive strip.

A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in thedescription that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individualfeatures and to combinations of features. It is to be understood thatboth the forgoing general description and the following detaileddescription are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictiveof the broad inventive concepts upon which the examples disclosed hereinare based.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The following drawing figures, which form a part of this application,are illustrative of described technology and are not meant to limit thescope of the disclosure in any manner.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a first side of a firearm with anintegrated power source, the firearm being shown in a closed position.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a second side of the firearm shown in theclosed position.

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the firearm in an open positon.

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of FIG. 4 .

FIG. 6 is an isometric bottom view of the firearm with a lower receiverremoved therefrom exposing an interior of an upper receiver of thefirearm.

FIG. 7 is an isometric top view of the firearm with the upper receiverremoved therefrom exposing an interior of the lower receiver of thefirearm.

FIG. 8 is an exploded isometric view of the firearm.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the electrical system of the firearm.

FIG. 10 is a detailed view of the electrical system.

FIG. 11 is a detailed view of the opposite side of the firearm.

FIG. 12 is another detailed view of the electrical system.

FIG. 13 is a isometric view of a pivot pin device of the firearm.

FIG. 14 is another isometric view of the pivot pin device.

FIG. 15 is a top view of the pivot pin device.

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the pivot pin device.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the pivot pin device.

FIG. 18 is an opposite side view of the pivot pin device.

FIG. 19 is a front view of the pivot pin device.

FIG. 20 is a rear view of the pivot pin device.

FIG. 21 is an exploded isometric view of the pivot pin device.

FIG. 22 is another exploded isometric view of the pivot pin device.

FIG. 23 is an exploded view of a receptacle in the lower receiver.

FIG. 24 is a detailed isometric view of a ruggedized connector port.

FIG. 25 is a partial cross-sectional view of the lower receiver with thepivot pin device inserted therein.

FIG. 26 is a detailed isometric view of a conductive bus assembly on theupper receiver.

FIG. 27 is an exploded isometric view of the conductive bus assembly.

FIG. 28 is an isometric view of a conductive strip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to thedrawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts andassemblies throughout the several views. Reference to variousembodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto.Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are notintended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possibleembodiments for the appended claims.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are isometric views of first and second sides,respectively, of a firearm 10. In FIGS. 1 and 2 , the firearm 10 isshown in a closed position. When in the closed position, the firearm 10is operational such that the firearm 10 is able to fire a round ofammunition. While a military-style firearm is shown and describedherein, the various embodiments, concepts, and features that aredescribed herein can be incorporated into other types of firearmsincluding handguns, bolt action rifles, shotguns, fixed-mount machineguns, as well as into other types of weapons such as bows andnon-weapons such as air-soft (e.g., paint ball) systems.

The firearm 10 includes an upper receiver 12 attached to a lowerreceiver 14. The upper receiver 12 includes a barrel 16, a handguard 18that partially surrounds the barrel 16, at least one accessory rail 204,and a muzzle 22. The lower receiver 14 includes a grip 24, a triggerguard 26, a trigger 28, a magazine well 30, and a buttstock 32.Alternative configurations are contemplated such that the upper andlower receivers 12, 14 of the firearm 10 may include additionalcomponents not shown in the figures or may not include all componentsshown in the figures such that some of the components can be optional.

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the connection between the upper and lowerreceivers 12, 14. In FIG. 3 , the firearm 10 is shown in the closedposition. As will be described in more detail, the lower receiver 14 isat least partially attached to the upper receiver 12 by a pivot pindevice 100.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show the firearm 10 in an open position. When in the openposition, the internal components of the firearm 10 such as the triggermechanism are exposed for cleaning and/or replacement. The upper andlower receivers 12, 14 are pivotable with respect to one another aboutthe pivot pin device 100 when a rear pin 36 (see FIGS. 1, 2, and 8 ) isremoved from the upper and lower receivers 12, 14. Thus, the upper andlower receivers 12, 14 can pivot about the pivot pin device 100 from theclosed position (see FIGS. 1-3 ) to the open position (see FIGS. 4 and 5). The upper and lower receivers 12, 14 are separable from one anotherwhen both the pivot pin device 100 and rear pin 36 are removed from theupper and lower receivers 12, 14.

In addition to providing a mechanical pivot point between the upper andlower receivers 12, 14, the pivot pin device 100 provides a transfer ofelectrical power from an electrical power source 202 (see FIGS. 8 and 9) in the lower receiver 14 to the at least one accessory rail 204 on theupper receiver 12. Additionally, the pivot pin device 100 maintains theelectrical power supply from the electrical power source 202 in thelower receiver 14 to the at least one accessory rail 204 on the upperreceiver 12 when the upper and lower receivers 12, 14 pivot from theclosed position to the open positon and from the open position to theclosed position.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 5 , a lobe 118 extends from a lateralportion of the pivot pin device 100 and engages a tab 56 on the lowerreceiver 14 to prevent removal of the pivot pin device 100 from thefirearm 10 when the upper and lower receivers 12, 14 are in the closedposition. For example, when in the closed position shown in FIG. 3 , thetab 56 blocks the pivot pin device 100 from being pulled out of thefirearm 10.

When the upper and lower receivers 12, 14 are in the open position, thelobe 118 disengages the tab 56 allowing removal of the pivot pin device100 from the firearm 10. For example, when in the open position shown inFIG. 5 , the tab 56 no longer blocks the pivot pin device 100 from beingpulled out of the firearm 10. The pivot pin device 100 can be removedfrom the firearm 10 by pulling a lateral portion 110 (see FIGS. 13-20 )of the pivot pin device 100 such that tools are not required to removethe pivot pin device 100 from the firearm 10.

FIG. 6 is an isometric bottom view of the upper receiver 12 with thelower receiver 14 removed therefrom. FIG. 7 is an isometric top view ofthe lower receiver 14 with the upper receiver 12 removed therefrom. FIG.8 is an exploded view of the firearm 10. Referring now to FIGS. 6-8 ,the lower receiver 14 includes holes 38 that align with a correspondinghole 40 drilled through a first extension piece 42 of the upper receiver12. The rear pin 36 is received by the holes 38, 40 to secure the upperand lower receivers 12, 14 together in the closed position.

Still referring to FIGS. 6-8 , the lower receiver 14 includes hinges 44each having a hole 46 that aligns with a corresponding hole 48 drilledthrough a second extension piece 50 of the upper receiver 12. A firstend of the pivot pin device 100 is received by the holes 46, 48 tosecure the upper and lower receivers 12, 14 together such that when therear pin 36 is removed from the firearm 10, the upper and lowerreceivers 12, 14 can pivot about the pivot pin device 100 from theclosed position to the open position and from the open position to theclosed position.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of an electrical system 200 of the firearm10. The electrical system 200 includes the electrical power source 202and the at least one accessory rail 204. The electrical power source 202provides a DC voltage for powering one or more electronic accessorydevices that can be mounted to the at least one accessory rail 204. Theelectrical power source 202 is stored inside a housing 212 held insidethe buttstock 32 of the lower receiver 14.

While the drawings show the electrical power source 202 as having aplurality of batteries, the electrical power source 202 may include asingle battery or may include more than one battery such as a pluralityof batteries. In a preferred embodiment, the electrical power source 202includes one or more rechargeable batteries. In other embodiments, theelectrical power source 202 can include one or more disposable batteriessuch as AA batteries.

A socket 206 in the lower receiver draws electrical power from theelectrical power source 202. Lower conductors 208 carry the electricalpower from the socket 206 to a receptacle 210 in the lower receiver. Thelower conductors 208 can include a pair of electrical wires that carrythe +/−DC voltage generated from the electrical power source 202. Thelower conductors 208 can be housed inside a cable jacket 209 to protectthem from outside elements.

FIG. 10 is a detailed view of the receptacle 210 and pivot pin device100. The receptacle 210 receives a first end 104 of the pivot pin device100 to transfer the electrical power to the pivot pin device 100. Thereceptacle 210 can include one or more seals 211 to prevent dirt,corrosion, water, humidity, and the like from penetrating the interfacebetween the receptacle 210 and the first end 104 of the pivot pin device100. The seals 211 ensure a reliable flow of electrical power from thelower receiver 14 to the upper receiver 12 of the firearm 10.

FIG. 11 is a detailed view of the opposite side of the firearm 10. Asshown in FIG. 11 , a channel 52 is embedded in the lower receiver 14 toguide the lower conductors 208 inside the cable jacket 209 from thesocket 206 to the receptacle 210. The channel 52 prevents the lowerconductors 208 from being snagged by outside elements such as branches,wires, and cables to ensure that the flow of electrical power to theupper receiver 12 is not interrupted.

As shown in FIGS. 6, 9, and 10 , a ruggedized connector port 214 in theupper receiver 12 receives a second end of the pivot pin device 100 toreceive the electrical power from the electrical power source 202. Theruggedized connector port 214 can include one or more seals to protectthe connection with the second end of the pivot pin device 100 such thatdirt, corrosion, water, humidity, and the like do not penetrate theconnection. The seals between the ruggedized connector port 214 andpivot pin device 100 ensure that there is a reliable flow of electricalpower from the lower receiver 14 to the upper receiver 12 of the firearm10.

Upper conductors 216 carry the electrical power from the ruggedizedconnector port 214 to a conductive bus assembly 218 that is mounted onthe upper receiver 12. The upper conductors 216 can include a pair ofelectrical wires that carry the +/−DC voltage generated from theelectrical power source 202. The upper conductors 216 can be housedinside a cable jacket 217 to protect them from outside elements. Asshown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the upper conductors 216 inside the cablejacket 217 are housed inside a sheath 54 that extends along a length ofthe upper receiver 12. The sheath 54 protects the upper conductors 216and prevents the upper conductors 216 from being snagged by outsideelements such as branches, wires, cables, and the like.

The channel 52 routes the lower conductors 208 along the second side ofthe firearm 10 while the sheath 54 routes the upper conductors 216 alongthe first side of the firearm 10. Thus, the pivot pin device 100 notonly transfers the electrical power from the lower receiver 14 to theupper receiver 12, but also transfers the electrical power across thefirearm 10 from the second side of the firearm 10 to the first side ofthe firearm 10. Advantageously, running the lower and upper conductors208, 216 on opposites sides of the firearm 10 improves the weightdistribution and balance of the firearm 10 which can make the firearm 10easier to carry and aim.

The conductive bus assembly 218 transfers the electrical power from theupper conductors 216 to the at least one accessory rail 204. FIG. 12 isa detailed view of the at least one accessory rail 204. As shown in FIG.12 , each accessory rail 204 includes a conductive strip 250 havingelectrical contacts 220 that are configured to engage contacts on anelectronic accessory device to supply the electrical power from theelectrical power source 202 to the electronic accessory device when theelectronic accessory device is mounted to the firearm 10.

Each accessory rail 204 also includes grips 222 that enable eachaccessory rail 204 to be mechanically gripped by an electronic accessorydevice for attachment of the electronic accessory device to the firearm10. In some examples, the grips 222 correspond to the structure of aPicatinny rail such that a variety of electronic accessory devices canbe attached to the accessory rails 204 for mounting onto the firearm 10.

In the examples illustrated in the figures, the electrical system 200includes four accessory rails 204 mounted around the handguard 18 of thefirearm 10. Alternative configurations are contemplated such that fewerthan four accessory rails 204 can be mounted to the firearm 10 or morethan four accessory rails 204 can be mounted to the firearm 10. Also,the location where the accessory rails 204 are mounted on the upperreceiver 12 may vary such that the accessory rails 204 can be mounted todifferent portions of the upper receiver 12 without mounting to thehandguard 18 such as a top portion of the upper receiver 12.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 9 , the electrical system 200 furtherincludes a switch 230 that is connected between the upper conductors 216and the at least one accessory rail 204. The switch 230 is configured todisconnect the electrical power supply from the electrical power source202 to the at least one accessory rail 204. The switch 230 is rotatablebetween ON and OFF positions. The switch 230 acts as a master on/offswitch such that when the switch 230 is rotated to the ON position, theelectrical power flows from the electrical power source 202 to theaccessory rails 204, and when the switch 230 is rotated to the OFFposition, the electrical power flow between the electrical power source202 and the accessory rails 204 is disconnected.

Advantageously, the switch 230 can be used to enforce light disciplineduring combat such that electronic accessory devices when mounted to thefirearm 10 are not accidentally turned on during battle (if accidentallyturned on, the electronic accessory devices can be seen by the enemy andgive away the position of the user of the firearm 10). Another advantageof the switch 230 when turned off is that it can eliminate parasiticenergy losses from the electronic accessory devices to preserver thebattery life of the electrical power source 202.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 8 , a control module 240 can be connected to anaccessory rail 204. The control module 240 includes one or more buttonsthat are configured to receive manual inputs from a user of the firearm10 to control the operation of one or more electronic accessory deviceswhen the control module 240 and electronic accessory devices are mountedto at least one accessory rail 204. The control module 240 cancommunicate with the one or more electronic accessory devices over theaccessory rails 204 using Impressed Communications over DC power.Advantageously, the control module 240 enables a user of the firearm 10to control multiple electronic accessory devices from a single,convenient location on the firearm 10.

In the examples illustrated in the figures, the control module 240 is atleast partially secured to the handguard 18 by a mechanical fastener 242(see FIG. 1 ) such as a screw. In some examples, as an alternative or inaddition to using the mechanical fastener 242, the control module 240can include a grip mechanism that engages the grips 222 of the accessoryrail 204 to mechanically secure the control module 240 to the firearm10.

FIGS. 13-20 illustrate isometric, top, bottom, side, front, and rearviews of the pivot pin device 100. Referring now to FIGS. 13-20 , thepivot pin device 100 includes a housing 102 that defines an interiorcavity for routing electrical conductors from a first end 104 of thepivot pin device 100 to a second end 106 of the pivot pin device 100.

The housing 102 has a cylindrical portion 108 that terminates at thefirst end 104 and a lateral portion 110 that extends substantiallyorthogonal from the cylindrical portion 108 and that terminates at thesecond end 106. The housing 102 is substantially L-shaped such that thecylindrical portion 108 is configured to traverse between the first andsecond sides of the firearm 10 and the lateral portion 110 is configuredto be substantially parallel to the first side of the firearm 10 whenthe pivot pin device 100 is inserted into the upper and lower receivers12, 14.

The cylindrical portion 108 is configured to provide the mechanicalpivot point between upper and lower receivers 12, 14 of the firearm 10.Additionally, the cylindrical portion 108 is configured to preventdetachment of the upper and lower receivers 12, 14 when the pivot pindevice 100 is inserted through the upper and lower receivers 12, 14.

First and second electrical contacts 112, 114 are axially spaced apartfrom one another on the cylindrical portion 108 towards the first end104. The first and second electrical contacts 112, 114 are eachconfigured to engage corresponding first and second coil contacts 232,234 inside the receptacle 210 (see FIG. 23 ). The first and secondelectrical contacts 112, 114 receive the electrical power in thereceptacle 210 by contacting the first and second coil contacts 232,234.

A plug portion 116 positioned at the second end 106 is configured forinsertion inside the ruggedized connector port 214 in the upper receiver12 to mate the electrical conductors inside the pivot pin device 100with the corresponding upper conductors 216 inside the ruggedizedconnector port 214 for transferring the electrical power from theelectrical power source 202 in the lower receiver 14 to the accessoryrails 204 in the upper receiver 12.

The lobe 118 (described above with reference to FIGS. 3 and 5 ) extendsfrom the lateral portion 110 opposite the plug portion 116. As describedabove, the lobe 118 is configured to engage the tab 56 on the lowerreceiver 14 when the upper and lower receivers 12, 14 are in the closedposition to prevent removal of the pivot pin device 100 from the firearm10, and is configured to disengage the tab 56 when the upper and lowerreceivers 12, 14 are in the open position to allow removal of the pivotpin device 100 from the firearm 10.

As shown in FIGS. 13-20 , the lateral portion 110 includes grips 120that are configured to receive the fingertips of a user of the firearm10 to help facilitate the user to grip the lateral portion 110 to pullthe pivot pin device 100 out of the firearm 10. In the exampleillustrated in the figures, the grips 120 are molded on an interiorsurface of the lateral portion 110.

FIGS. 21 and 22 are exploded isometric views of the pivot pin device100. Referring now to FIGS. 21 and 22 , the pivot pin device 100includes the electrical conductors 122 that are routed from the firstend 104 to the second end 106 of the pivot pin device 100. The first andsecond electrical contacts 112, 114 each have an exterior portionconfigured to engage a respective coil contact 232, 234 inside thereceptacle 210 (see FIG. 23 ), and each have an interior portion thatengages a respective electrical conductor 122. As shown in FIGS. 21 and22 , the exterior portion of each electrical contact 112, 114 issubstantially circular. The interior portion extends from the exteriorportion towards a center of each electrical contact 112, 114 andincludes a bore to engage and wrap around an electrical conductor 122.

As further shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 , the plug portion 116 includesreceptacles 128 that extend toward a faceplate 130. The faceplate 130defines openings 134 that are configured to receive conductors 244, 246inside the ruggedized connector port 214 (see FIGS. 10 and 24 ). Thereceptacles 128 are configured to mate the electrical conductors 122inside the pivot pin device 100 with the upper conductors 216 inside theruggedized connector port 214 (see FIG. 24 ).

A gasket 132 surrounds the plug portion 116 to provide an environmentalseal between the plug portion 116 and the ruggedized connector port 214.For example, the gasket 132 can engage a housing 215 (see FIG. 6 ) ofthe ruggedized connector port 214 to provide the environmental sealbetween the plug portion 116 and the ruggedized connector port 214. Theenvironmental seal prevents debris such as dirt, corrosion, water,humidity from penetrating the connection between the plug portion 116and the ruggedized connector port 214.

FIG. 23 is an exploded view of the receptacle 210. As shown in FIG. 23 ,the lower conductors 208 inside the cable jacket 209 are connected tothe first and second coil contacts 232, 234 inside the receptacle 210.When the first end 104 of the pivot pin device 100 is inserted into thereceptacle 210, the first and second electrical contacts 112, 114 engagethe first and second coil contacts 232, 234 to draw the electrical powerfrom the lower conductors 208 to the electrical conductors 122 (seeFIGS. 21 and 2 ) housed inside the pivot pin device 100.

FIG. 24 is an exploded view of the ruggedized connector port 214. Asshown in FIG. 24 , the ruggedized connector port 214 includes theconductors 244, 246 that are received by the plug portion 116 of thepivot pin device 100. The conductors 244, 246 are connected to the upperconductors 216 to transfer the electrical power from the pivot pindevice 100 to the upper conductors 216, and hence transfer theelectrical power to the at least one accessory rail 204 on the upperreceiver 12 via the conductive bus assembly 218 (as shown in FIG. 9 ).

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the lower receiver 14 with thepivot pin device 100 inserted therein. In FIG. 25 , the firearm is inthe closed position such that the tab 56 engages the lobe 118 to blockthe pivot pin device 100 from being pulled out of the lower receiver 14.As further shown in FIG. 25 , the cylindrical portion 108 of the pivotpin device 100 is inserted through the hinges 44 such that thecylindrical portion 108 can act as a mechanical pivot point between thelower receiver 14 and the upper receiver 12.

Still referring to FIG. 25 , the first end 104 of the pivot pin device100 is inserted into the receptacle 210 such that the first and secondelectrical contacts 112, 114 of the pivot pin device 100 engage thefirst and second coil contacts 232, 234 in the receptacle 210 to drawthe electrical power from the lower conductors 208 inside the cablejacket 209 to the electrical conductors 122 inside the pivot pin device100. In view of FIGS. 23-25 , the pivot pin device 100 is an electricalbridge between the receptacle 210 in the lower receiver 14 and theruggedized connector port 214 in the upper receiver 12 that transfersthe electrical power from the lower conductors 208 in the lower receiver14 to the upper conductors 216 in the upper receiver 12.

FIG. 26 is a detailed isometric view of a conductive bus assembly 218 onthe upper receiver 12. FIG. 27 is an exploded isometric view of theconductive bus assembly 218. Referring now to FIGS. 26 and 27 , theconductive bus assembly 218 includes a housing 224 that defines aninterior space. A faceplate 226 attaches to one end of the housing 224for sealing the interior space. The housing 224 and faceplate 226 eachhave apertures 227, 229 that enable the conductive bus assembly 218 tobe installed around the barrel 16 of the firearm 10.

As shown in FIG. 27 , the conductive bus assembly 218 includes aconductive bus 228 housed inside the interior space of the housing 224.The conductive bus 228 has an aperture 231 that enables the conductivebus 228 to be housed inside the housing 224 and around the barrel 16 ofthe firearm 10. The conductive bus 228 includes contacts 236 that engagethe upper conductors 216 to transfer the electrical power from the upperconductors 216 onto the conductive bus 228, and around the barrel 16 onthe upper receiver 12.

The conductive bus assembly 218 has receptacles 238 electricallyconnected around the conductive bus 228. The receptacles 238 receiveends of conductive strips 250 to transfer the electrical power from theconductive bus 228 onto the conductive strips 250. The conductive strips250 are mounted to the accessory rails 204 (see also FIG. 12 ).

In some examples, the conductive bus assembly 218 includes fourreceptacles 238 such that four conductive strips 250 can be mountedaround the barrel 16. It is contemplated that the number of receptacles238 mounted to the conductive bus 228 can vary such that fewer than fourconductive strips 250 can be mounted to the firearm 10 or more than fourconductive strips 250 can be mounted to the firearm 10. In someexamples, the receptacle 238 are female connectors while the ends of theconductive strips 250 are male connectors. In some examples, theconductive bus assembly 218 daisy chains a plurality of conductivestrips 250 together such that each conductive strip 250 powers aplurality of electronic accessory devices.

The conductive bus assembly 218 further includes sealing glands 248 thatseal the electrical connection between the receptacles 238 and the endsof the conductive strips 250. In some examples, the sealing glands 248are made from a soft rubber material. The sealing glands 248 protect theelectrical connection between the conductive bus assembly 218 and theconductive strips 250 from outside elements such as water, humidity,dirt, and the like. Advantageously, the sealing glands 248 ensure asteady supply of electrical power to the conductive strips 250 such thatthe electrical power to one or more electronic accessory devices mountedonto the accessory rails 204 is not interrupted.

FIG. 28 is an isometric view of a conductive strip 250 that can bemounted to each accessory rail 204. The conductive strip 250 includes aplurality of electrical contacts 220 that are configured to engagecorresponding contacts on an electronic accessory device to supply theelectrical power from the electrical power source 202 to an electronicaccessory device when the electronic accessory device is mounted to thefirearm 10. The distal ends of the conductive strip 250 each include oneor more contact pads 252 such that one distal end can be inserted into areceptacle 238 of the conductive bus assembly 218 for transferring theelectrical power to the conductive strip 250 while an opposite distalend of the conductive strip 250 can be plugged into a receptacle ofanother device such as the control module 240, as shown in FIG. 8 . Insome examples, the conductive strip 250 includes a slot 254 thatprovides a reference point to ensure correct orientation of theconductive strip 250 on the accessory rail 204, such as when theconductive strip 250 is being installed onto the accessory rail 204 as amodular component.

Advantageously, the conductive bus assembly 218 including the conductivestrips 250 are a modular system that can be added onto a standardfirearm with little or no modification of the original components of thefirearm. For example, the housing 224 of the conductive bus assembly 218can be mounted around the handguard of the firearm, while the conductivestrips 250 can be added to the accessory rails of the firearm (e.g.,Picatinny rails) without substantial modifications to the handguard andaccessory rails, respectively. Accordingly, in some examples, theconductive bus assembly 218 is a power coupling for use on an accessoryrail. Additionally, the receptacles 238 and sealing glands 248 allowaccessory rails equipped with the conductive strips 250 to be simplyplugged into the conductive bus assembly 218, and thus simplify theassembly of the electrical system 200 onto the firearm 10.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way ofillustration only and should not be construed to limit the claimsattached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize variousmodifications and changes that may be made without following the exampleembodiments and application illustrated and described herein, andwithout departing from the true spirit and scope of the followingclaims.

1-34. (canceled)
 35. An electrical system for a firearm, the electricalsystem comprising: a connector port configured to receive a plugsupplying electrical power; electrical conductors connected to theconnector port, the electrical conductors configured to transfer theelectrical power along a forward portion of the firearm; a conductivebus assembly connected to the electrical conductors, the conductive busassembly configured to transfer the electrical power around a barrel ofthe firearm; and a switch operable to disconnect the electrical powersupplied from the plug.
 36. The electrical system of claim 35, whereinthe conductive bus assembly includes one or more receptacles fordelivering the electrical power to electronic accessory devices mountedaround the barrel of the firearm.
 37. The electrical system of claim 36,wherein the one or more receptacles each include a sealing gland forsealing an electrical connection between the receptacle and a contactpad.
 38. The electrical system of claim 35, further comprising: at leastone conductive strip configured to connect to the conductive busassembly, the at least one conductive strip having electrical contactsfor engaging contacts on an electronic accessory device to supply theelectrical power to the electronic accessory device.
 39. The electricalsystem of claim 35, wherein the conductive bus assembly is configured todaisy chain a plurality of conductive strips together such that theplurality of conductive strips are configured to power electronicaccessory devices around the barrel of the firearm.
 40. The electricalsystem of claim 35, further comprising: a sheath for housing theelectrical conductors, the sheath extending along the forward portion ofthe firearm.
 41. The electrical system of claim 35, wherein theconnector port is configured for mounting on an upper receive of thefirearm, and the plug supplies the electrical power from a power sourcehoused in a lower receiver of the firearm.
 42. A power coupling for afirearm, the power coupling comprising: a housing defining an interiorspace; a conductive bus housed inside the interior space, the conductivebus configured to transfer electrical power around a barrel of thefirearm; a faceplate attached to one end of the housing for sealing theconductive bus inside the interior space of the housing; receptacleselectrically connected to the conductive bus, each receptacle configuredto receive a contact pad for delivery of electrical power; and sealingglands mounted inside each of the receptacles for sealing electricalconnections with the contact pads.
 43. The power coupling of claim 42,wherein the conductive bus is configured to daisy chain a plurality ofconductive strips together such that the plurality of conductive stripsare configured to power electronic accessory devices around the barrelof the firearm.
 44. The power coupling of claim 42, wherein the housingand the faceplate each include an aperture allowing the power couplingto be installed around the barrel of the firearm.
 45. The power couplingof claim 44, wherein the conductive bus includes an aperture allowingthe conductive bus to be housed inside the housing and around the barrelof the firearm.
 46. The power coupling of claim 42, wherein theconductive bus includes contacts configured to engage conductors runningalong a length of the barrel of the firearm, and to transfer around theconductive bus the electrical power from the conductors.
 47. A firearmcomprising: a lower receiver housing an electrical power source; anupper receiver attached to the lower receiver; and an electrical systemmounted onto the upper receiver, the electrical system including: aconnector port configured to receive a plug supplying electrical powerfrom the electrical power source housed in the lower receiver;electrical conductors connected to the connector port, the electricalconductors transferring the electrical power along a length of a barrelattached to the upper receiver; a conductive bus assembly connected tothe electrical conductors, the conductive bus assembly transferring theelectrical power around the barrel; and a switch operable to disconnectthe electrical power supplied from the electrical power source housed inthe lower receiver.
 48. The firearm of claim 47, further comprising: atleast one conductive strip connected to the conductive bus assembly, theat least one conductive strip having electrical contacts for engagingcontacts on an electronic accessory device to supply the electricalpower to the electronic accessory device.
 49. The firearm of claim 48,wherein the conductive bus assembly includes a receptacle for receivinga contact pad of the at least one conductive strip, the receptacletransferring the electrical power from the conductive bus onto the atleast one conductive strip.
 50. The firearm of claim 49, wherein theconductive bus assembly includes a sealing gland for sealing aconnection between the receptacle and a distal end of the at least oneconductive strip.
 51. The firearm of claim 47, further comprising: aplurality of conductive strips, and wherein the conductive bus assemblydaisy chains the plurality of conductive strips together such that theconductive strips power electronic accessory devices around a barrel ofthe firearm.
 52. The firearm of claim 51, further comprising: accessoryrails for mounting the electronic accessory devices onto the firearm andover the plurality of conductive strips.
 53. The firearm of claim 47,wherein the conductive bus assembly includes: a housing defining aninterior space; a conductive bus housed inside the interior space; and afaceplate attached to the housing and sealing the conductive bus insidethe interior space of the housing, and wherein the housing, thefaceplate, and the conductive bus each including a respective apertureallowing installation of the conductive bus assembly around a barrelattached to the upper receiver of the firearm.
 54. The firearm of claim47, further comprising: a sheath for housing the electrical conductors,the sheath extending along the length of the barrel of the firearm.